Media content system for enhancing rest

ABSTRACT

A media-playback device acquires a heart rate, selects a song with a first tempo, and initiates playback of the song. The song meets a set of qualification criteria and the first tempo is based on the heart rate, such as being equal to or less than the heart rate. The media-playback device also initiates playback of a binaural beat at a first frequency. Over a period of time, the binaural beat&#39;s first frequency is changed to a second frequency. Over the period of time, the first tempo can also be changed to a second tempo, where the second tempo is slower than the first tempo.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/503,327, filed on Jul. 3, 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/090,184, filed on Apr. 4, 2016, issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,387,106, titled MEDIA CONTENT SYSTEM FOR ENHANCINGREST, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is madeto each of the above disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

Some people enjoy listening to music to relax or before sleeping. Commonmusical genres used to induce relaxation include classical, jazz, andreggae. Other people may enjoy listening to relaxation-focused musicalgenres, such as downtempo electronic or new age.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a media content system.In some embodiments, and by non-limiting example, the media contentsystem is for enhancing rest.

One aspect is a computing device, where the computing device includes atleast one processing device and at least one computer readable datastorage device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed bythe at least one processing device, cause a media-playback device to:acquire a heart rate, select at least one media content item with afirst tempo, where the at least one media content item meets a set ofqualification criteria and where the first tempo is based on the heartrate. The instructions also cause the media-playback device to initiateplayback of the at least one media content item. Over a period of timeduring the playback of the at least one media content item, the firsttempo is changed to a second tempo, the second tempo being slower thanthe first tempo. The instructions also cause the media-playback deviceto initiate playback of a binaural beat at a first frequency during theplayback of the at least one media content item and, over the period oftime during the playback of the at least one media content item, changethe binaural beat to a second frequency.

Another aspect is a method for selecting and playing a song. The methodincludes, using a computing device: acquiring a heart rate, acquiring amoment selection, selecting at least one song with a first tempo, wherethe at least one song meets a set of qualification criteria and wherethe first tempo is based on the heart rate and the moment selection. Themethod also includes, using the computing device: initiating playback ofthe at least one song, initiating playback of a binaural beat at a firstfrequency at least partially during the playback of the at least onesong, and causing the binaural beat to change to a second frequencyduring the playback of the at least one song.

A further aspect is a media server. The media server includes adatabase, at least one processing device in data communication with thedatabase, and at least one computer readable storage device storing datainstructions. The database stores at least a plurality of songs thatmeet a set of qualification criteria, the set of qualification criteriaincluding: a major key and an absence of lyrics. The instructions, whenexecuted by the at least one processing device, cause the media serverto: acquire a heart rate, select a song from the plurality of songs,where the song has a first tempo and wherein the first tempo is based onthe heart rate, initiate playback of the song, initiate playback of abinaural beat at a first frequency during the playback of the song, andover a period of time during the playback of the song, change thebinaural beat to a second frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for restful media contentselection.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example system for heartrate determination and media content selection.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of the example restenhancement engine shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block flow diagram of an embodiment of an examplemethod for rest enhancement.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a firstexample track.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a secondexample track.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first user interface of an embodiment of an examplescreen shown on a mobile device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second user interface of the embodiment of anexample screen shown on a mobile device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A illustrates a rear portion of an example media device.

FIG. 9B illustrates a user's finger positioned near the rear portion ofthe example media device shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 illustrates a third user interface of the embodiment of anexample screen shown on a mobile device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fourth user interface of the embodiment of anexample screen shown on a mobile device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block flow diagram of an example method fordetermining playback position of a second track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

Users of media-playback devices often consume media content whileengaging in various activities, including while resting. For example,users may choose to unwind after work or have a massage while listeningto relaxing music. Additionally, as an example, users may choose tolisten to music before or during a nap or their nighttime rest.Consuming media content may include one or more of listening to audiocontent, watching video content, or consuming other types of mediacontent. For ease of explanation, the embodiments described in thisapplication are presented using specific examples. For example, audiocontent (and in particular music) is described as an example of one formof media content. As another example, nighttime sleeping is described asan example of one form of rest. However, it should be understood thatthe same concepts are equally applicable to other forms of mediaconsumption and to other forms of rest, and at least some embodimentsinclude other forms of media consumption and/or other forms of rest.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 for restful media contentselection. The example system 100 includes a media-playback device 102,a media-delivery system 104, and a speaker 108. The system 100communicates across a network 106. Also shown is a user U who desires tolisten to relaxing or sleep-related music. Other embodiments can includemore or fewer components.

The media-playback device 102 operates to play media content items 105to produce media output 110. In some embodiments, the media contentitems 105 are provided by the media-delivery system 104 and transmittedto the media-playback device using the network 106. A media content item105 is an item of media content, including audio, video, or other typesof media content, which may be stored in any format suitable for storingmedia content. Non-limiting examples of media content items 105 includesongs, albums, music videos, movies, television episodes, podcasts,other types of audio or video content, and portions or combinationsthereof.

In some embodiments, the media-playback device 102 plays media contentfor the user U based on the user's input and heart rate. Themedia-playback device 102 can acquire the user's U heart rate via, forexample, user input, peripheral device, or its own hardware andsoftware. The tempo (or rhythm) of music refers to the frequency of thebeat and is typically measured in beats per minute (bpm). The beat isthe basic unit of rhythm in a musical composition (as determined by thetime signature of the music). Accordingly, in the example shown, theuser's U heart rate is related to the tempo of the music. Selecting oneor more tempos is discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3-6,below.

Speaker 108 generates audible sounds to audibly reproduce the mediacontent item 105 received from the media-playback device 102 as mediaoutput 110. In some embodiments, speaker 108 is integral withmedia-playback device 102. In other embodiments, speaker 108 is aseparate component from the media-playback device 102. In embodiments,media-playback device 102 and speaker 108 communicate wirelessly. Forexample, speaker 108 is a portable stereo, a clock radio, a stereoreceiver, headphones, or a stand-alone speaker. Additionally, speaker108 can be a device compatible with Spotify Connect™, Bluetooth™, Apple™AirPlay™, and Google™ Cast™.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another example of the system 100for restful media content selection shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, themedia-playback device 102, the media-delivery system 104, and thenetwork 106 are shown. Also shown are the user U and a satellite S.

As noted above, the media-playback device 102 operates to play mediacontent items 105. In some embodiments, the media-playback device 102operates to play media content items 105 that are provided (e.g.,streamed, transmitted, etc.) by a system external to the media-playbackdevice such as the media-delivery system 104, another system, or a peerdevice. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the media-playback device102 operates to play media content items 105 stored locally on themedia-playback device 102. Further, in at least some embodiments, themedia-playback device 102 operates to play media content items 105 thatare stored locally as well as media content items 105 provided by othersystems.

In some embodiments, the media-playback device 102 is a computingdevice, handheld entertainment device, smartphone, tablet, watch,wearable device, or any other type of device capable of playing mediacontent. In some embodiments, the media-playback device 102 is a laptopcomputer, desktop computer, television, gaming console, set-top box,network appliance, blue-ray or DVD player, media player, stereo, orradio. Commercially-available examples include the Apple™ iPod™, Apple™iPad™, Apple™ iPhone, Apple™ TV™, a Roku™ device such as Roku™ 3, Sony™Playstation 4™, and Microsoft™ Xbox™.

In at least some embodiments, the media-playback device 102 includes alocation-determining device 150, a touch screen 152, a processing device154, a memory device 156, a content output device 158, a heartrate-acquiring device 160, and a network access device 162. Otherembodiments of the media-playback device 102 may include additional,different, or fewer components than the example shown in FIG. 2. Forexample, some embodiments may include a recording device such as amicrophone or camera that operates to record audio or video content. Asanother example, some embodiments do not include one or more of thelocation-determining device 150 and the touch screen 152.

The location-determining device 150 is a device that determines thelocation of the media-playback device 102. In some embodiments, thelocation-determining device 150 uses one or more of the followingtechnologies: Global Positioning System (GPS) technology which mayreceive GPS signals 170 from satellites S, cellular triangulationtechnology, network-based location identification technology, Wi-Fipositioning systems technology, and combinations thereof.

The touch screen 152 operates to receive an input 172 from a selector(e.g., a finger, stylus etc.) controlled by the user U. In someembodiments, the touch screen 152 operates as both a display device anda user input device. In some embodiments, the touch screen 152 detectsinputs based on one or both of touches and near-touches. In someembodiments, the touch screen 152 displays a user interface 164 forinteracting with the media-playback device 102. As noted above, someembodiments do not include a touch screen 152. Some embodiments includea display device and one or more separate user interface devices.Further, some embodiments do not include a display device.

In some embodiments, the processing device 154 comprises one or morecentral processing units (CPU). In other embodiments, the processingdevice 154 additionally or alternatively includes one or more digitalsignal processors, field-programmable gate arrays, or other electroniccircuits.

The memory device 156 operates to store data and instructions. In someembodiments, the memory device 156 stores instructions for amedia-playback engine 166 that includes a rest enhancement engine 168.In some embodiments, the media-playback engine 166 operates to playbackmedia content and the rest enhancement engine 168 operates to selectmedia content for playback based on a heart rate.

The memory device 156 typically includes at least some form ofcomputer-readable media. Computer readable media includes any availablemedia that can be accessed by the media-playback device 102. By way ofexample, computer-readable media include computer readable storage mediaand computer readable communication media.

Computer readable storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any device configuredto store information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Computer readable storagemedia includes, but is not limited to, random access memory, read onlymemory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, flashmemory and other memory technology, compact disc read only memory, blueray discs, digital versatile discs or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store thedesired information and that can be accessed by the media-playbackdevice 102. In some embodiments, computer readable storage media isnon-transitory computer readable storage media.

Computer readable communication media typically embodies computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data ina modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, computer readable communication mediaincludes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection,and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency, infrared, andother wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also includedwithin the scope of computer readable media.

The content output device 158 operates to output media content. In someembodiments, the content output device 158 generates media output 110for the user U. Examples of the content output device 158 include aspeaker 108, an audio output jack, a Bluetooth transmitter, a displaypanel, and a video output jack. Other embodiments are possible as well.For example, the content output device 158 may transmit a signal throughthe audio output jack or Bluetooth transmitter that can be used toreproduce an audio signal by a connected or paired device such asheadphones or a speaker.

The heart rate-acquiring device 160 operates to acquire a heart rateassociated with the user U. In at least some embodiments, the heartrate-acquiring device 160 operates to determine heart rate directly. Oneexample of the heart rate-acquiring device 160 (illustrated anddescribed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B) detects theuser's U heart rate by having the user U position a finger over a cameralens on the media-playback device 102. Then, an application stored onmedia-playback device 102 analyzes the images received to determine thepulse rate (heart rate) of user U. In some embodiments, the applicationdetects changes in color and associates the rate of change in color tothe movement of blood through the finger, which is related to the user'sU pulse rate. Additionally, some media-playback devices 102 currentlyavailable include a heart rate monitor, such as the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Alternatively, the heart rate-acquiring device 160 operates to receivedata representing a heart rate associated with the user U. For example,in some embodiments, the heart rate-acquiring device 160 operates toreceive data from a watch, wrist band, chest strap, or other device fordetermining or measuring heart rate. Further, in some embodiments, theheart rate-acquiring device 160 operates to receive a heart rate valueinput by the user U or another person.

The network access device 162 operates to communicate with othercomputing devices over one or more networks, such as the network 106.Examples of the network access device include wired network interfacesand wireless network interfaces. Wireless network interfaces includesinfrared, BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, and cellularor other radio frequency interfaces in at least some possibleembodiments.

The network 106 is an electronic communication network that facilitatescommunication between the media-playback device 102 and themedia-delivery system 104. An electronic communication network includesa set of computing devices and links between the computing devices. Thecomputing devices in the network 106 use the links to enablecommunication among the computing devices in the network 106. Thenetwork 106 can include routers, switches, mobile access points,bridges, hubs, intrusion detection devices, storage devices, standaloneserver devices, blade server devices, sensors, desktop computers,firewall devices, laptop computers, handheld computers, mobiletelephones, and other types of computing devices.

In various embodiments, the network 106 includes various types of links.For example, the network 106 can include wired and/or wireless links,including Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), 802.11, ZigBee, cellular, andother types of wireless links. Furthermore, in various embodiments, thenetwork 106 is implemented at various scales. For example, the network106 can be implemented as one or more local area networks (LANs),metropolitan area networks, subnets, wide area networks (such as theInternet), or can be implemented at another scale. Further, in someembodiments, the network 106 includes multiple networks, which may be ofthe same type or of multiple different types.

The media-delivery system 104 comprises one or more computing devicesand operates to provide media content items 105 to the media-playbackdevices 102 and, in some embodiments, other media-playback devices aswell. In some embodiments, the media-delivery system 104 includes amedia server 180 and a rest enhancement server 182. In at least someembodiments, the media server 180 and the rest enhancement server 182are provided by separate computing devices. In other embodiments, themedia server 180 and the rest enhancement server 182 are provided by thesame one or more computing devices. Further, in some embodiments, one orboth of the media servers 180 and the rest enhancement server 182 areprovided by multiple computing devices. For example, the media server180 and the rest enhancement server 182 may be provided by multipleredundant servers located in multiple geographic locations.

The media server 180 operates to transmit stream media 218 tomedia-playback devices such as the media-playback device 102. In someembodiments, the media server 180 includes a media server application184, a processing device 186, a memory device 188, and a network accessdevice 190. The processing device 186, memory device 188, and networkaccess device 190 may be similar to the processing device 154, memorydevice 156, and network access device 162 respectively, which have eachbeen previously described.

In some embodiments, the media server application 184 operates to streammusic or other audio, video, or other forms of media content. The mediaserver application 184 includes a media stream service 194, a media datastore 196, and a media application interface 198. The media streamservice 194 operates to buffer media content such as media content 206,208, and 210, for streaming to one or more streams 200, 202, and 204.

The media application interface 198 can receive requests or othercommunication from media-playback devices or other systems, to retrievemedia content items 105 from the media server 180. For example, in FIG.2, the media application interface 198 receives communication 234 fromthe media-playback engine 166.

In some embodiments, the media data store 196 stores media content items210, media content metadata 212, and playlists 214. The media data store196 may comprise one or more databases and file systems. Otherembodiments are possible as well. As noted above, the media contentitems 210 may be audio, video, or any other type of media content, whichmay be stored in any format for storing media content.

The media content metadata 212 operates to provide various informationassociated with the media content items 210. In some embodiments, themedia content metadata 212 includes one or more of title, artist name,album name, length, genre, mood, era, etc. The playlists 214 operate toidentify one or more of the media content items 210. In someembodiments, the playlists 214 identify a group of the media contentitems 210 in a particular order. In other embodiments, the playlists 214merely identify a group of the media content items 210 withoutspecifying a particular order. Some, but not necessarily all, of themedia content items 210 included in a playlist 214 are associated with acommon characteristic such as a common genre, mood, or era.

The rest enhancement server 182 operates to provide restenhancement—specific information about media content items tomedia-playback devices. In some embodiments, the rest enhancement server182 includes a rest enhancement server application 220, a processingdevice 222, a memory device 224, and a network access device 226. Theprocessing device 222, memory device 224, and network access device 226may be similar to the processing device 154, memory device 156, andnetwork access device 162 respectively, which have each been previouslydescribed.

In some embodiments, rest enhancement server application 220 operates totransmit information about the suitability of one or more media contentitems for playback during a particular rest enhancement. The restenhancement server application 220 includes a rest enhancement interface228 and a rest enhancement media metadata store 230.

In some embodiments, the rest enhancement server application 220provides a list of media content items at a particular tempo to amedia-playback device in response to a request that includes aparticular heart rate value. Further, in some embodiments, the mediacontent items included in the returned list are particularly relevantfor the mood and rest enhancement in which the user is engaged (forexample, if the user is taking a power nap, the returned list of mediacontent items may include only media content items that have beenidentified as being useful for power naps).

The rest enhancement interface 228 operates to receive requests or othercommunication from media-playback devices or other systems, to retrieveinformation about media content items from the rest enhancement server182. For example, in FIG. 2, the rest enhancement interface 228 receivescommunication 234 from the media-playback engine 166.

In some embodiments, the rest enhancement media metadata store 230stores rest enhancement media metadata 232. The rest enhancement mediametadata store 230 may comprise one or more databases and file systems.Other embodiments are possible as well.

The rest enhancement media metadata 232 operates to provide variousinformation associated with media content items, such as the mediacontent items 210. In some embodiments, the rest enhancement mediametadata 232 provides information that may be useful for selecting mediacontent items for playback during a rest enhancement. For example, insome embodiments, the rest enhancement media metadata 232 storesrestability scores for media content items that correspond to thesuitability of particular media content items for playback duringresting or relaxation. As another example, in some embodiments, the restenhancement media metadata 232 stores timestamps (e.g., start and endpoints) that identify portions of media content items that areparticularly well-suited for playback during rest enhancement.

Each of the media-playback device 102 and the media-delivery system 104can include additional physical computer or hardware resources. In atleast some embodiments, the media-playback device 102 communicates withthe media-delivery system 104 via the network 106.

Although in FIG. 2 only a single media-playback device 102 andmedia-delivery system 104 are shown, in accordance with someembodiments, the media-delivery system 104 can support the simultaneoususe of multiple media-playback devices, and the media-playback devicecan simultaneously access media content from multiple media-deliverysystems. Additionally, although FIG. 2 illustrates a streaming mediabased system for heart rate determination and media content selection,other embodiments are possible as well. For example, in someembodiments, the media-playback device 102 includes a media data store196 and the media-playback device 102 is configured to perform heartrate determination and media content selection without accessing themedia-delivery system 104. Further in some embodiments, themedia-playback device 102 operates to store previously streamed mediacontent items in a local media data store.

In at least some embodiments, the media-delivery system 104 can be usedto stream, progressively download, or otherwise communicate music, otheraudio, video, or other forms of media content items to themedia-playback device 102 based on a heart rate acquired by the heartrate-acquiring device 160 of the media-playback device 102. Inaccordance with an embodiment, a user U can direct the input 172 to theuser interface 164 to issue requests, for example, to play a selectedlocation-based playlist on the media-playback device 102 or to tag amedia content item with location data.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the rest enhancement engine 168.The embodiment shown includes a heart rate acquisition engine 270, amoment engine 272, a media content engine 274, a track tempo engine 276,and a binaural beat engine 278. Other embodiments can include more orfewer components.

The heart rate acquisition engine 270 operates to acquire a user's Uheart rate. Example methods performed by some embodiments of the heartrate acquisition engine 270 are illustrated and described with referenceto at least FIG. 4.

The moment engine 272 operates to receive a user's U selection of amoment and determine one or more tracks corresponding to the selectedmoment. Example methods performed by some embodiments of the momentengine 272 are illustrated and described with reference to at least FIG.4.

The media content engine 274 operates to select media for playbackduring rest enhancement. Example methods performed by some embodimentsof media content engine 274 are illustrated and described with referenceto at least FIG. 4.

The track tempo engine 276 operates to monitor and adjust the tempo of atrack playing during rest enhancement. In embodiments, track tempoengine changes the tempo by transitioning between tracks havingdifferent tempos. Example methods performed by some embodiments of tracktempo engine 276 are illustrated and described with reference to atleast FIG. 4.

The binaural beat engine 278 operates to control any binaural beatsplayed by media-playback device 102. Example methods performed by someembodiments of binaural beat engine 278 are illustrated and describedwith reference to at least FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 300 for restenhancement. As used herein, rest enhancement includes non-sleepactivities, such as relaxation, meditation, or an activity such asreceiving a massage. The example method 300 includes receiving a momentselection (operation 302), acquiring a heart rate (operation 304),identifying a track (operation 306), initiating track playback(operation 308), initiating binaural playback (operation 310), changingtempo (operation 312), changing binaural frequency (operation 314),determining whether additional playback is required (operation 315), andending playback (operation 316). Other embodiments can include more orfewer operations.

The example method 300 begins by receiving a moment selection (operation302). Other embodiments do not include moment selection (operation 302).During operation 302, the media-playback device 102 receives a user'sselection of a moment from a collection of moments. For example, momentscan include bedtime, power nap, long nap, airplane, kids, commuting,meditation, massage, and prayer.

Various parameters are associated with each moment, such as music type,track playback duration, and additional white noise. For example, whitenoise can be added to the track playback when the moment received islikely to be associated with extraneous, ambient noise, such as when onan airplane or commuting. Also, as an example, tracks with particularmusical instruments can be selected depending upon the moment received.

In some embodiments, the media-playback device 102 presents, andreceives a selection of, a content theme, such as nature, symphony,electronic, ambient, atmospheric, white noise, ocean, etc. Thisselection further defines the types of tracks to play.

In embodiments, some moments include a wake-up component. For example,the commuting moment prompts the user to enter the time until wake up. Auser commuting on public transportation, such as a bus, subway, lightrail, etc., can be woken up prior to their stop after a period of timehas elapsed.

In embodiments, a moment is identified in operation 302 based oncontextual information. For example, when a user initiates a sleepfunction on the mobile device, global positioning satellite (GPS) datamay indicate that the user is on a known public transportation route,such as a light rail line, and is moving. Additionally, the time of daymight be during normal commuting hours. In that instance, a commutingmoment is inferred from the context and offered to the user. As anotherexample, the GPS data may indicate that the user is near his or herhome, the device is not moving, and the time is near a normal bedtime.In that instance, a bedtime moment is inferred from the context andoffered to the user. Other data can be used to infer context andidentify moments.

Example method 300 can also begin by acquiring a heart rate (operation304). As discussed above with reference to FIG. 2, the media-playbackdevice 102 acquires the heart rate from an external or internal heartrate-acquiring device. Additionally, the user's heart rate can beacquired by the user manually entering their heart rate. If, afteracquiring the user's heart rate (operation 304), a moment has not beenreceived, the system 100 can prompt the user to select a moment.

Based on the received moment selection (operation 302) and the acquiredheart rate (operation 304), a track is next identified (operation 306).During operation 306, one or more possible tracks are selected fromavailable tracks and filtered according to heart rate and moment tags.

For example, a heart rate of 65 beats per minute (bpm) is receivedduring operation 304 and a selection of a “bedtime” moment is receivedduring operation 302. Based on the heart rate, all tracks not within+/−10% of 65 bpm are filtered out (i.e., those below about 58 bpm andthose above about 72 bpm). Additionally, the tracks can be filtered byeliminating any track without a “bedtime” tag, where the tracks storedon media-delivery system 104 have one or more tags.

In embodiments where additional selection criteria are received, thosecriteria, such as a time duration of the track, can also be used toselect applicable tracks.

After qualifying tracks are identified (operation 306), track playbackis initiated (operation 308). The track played is a track with a tempomatching the heart rate acquired in operation 304. In embodiments, thesystem can slow down playback of a track that has a slightly highertempo than the user's heart rate. For example, if the user's heart rateis 65 bpm, a track with a tempo of 70 bpm may be selected but sloweddown to be played at 65 bpm. Then the tempo of the track is slowed untilplayback ends (operation 316).

Alternatively, a track is played that has a tempo slower than the user'sheart rate. For example, if the user's heart rate is 65 bpm, a trackwith a tempo of 60 bpm is played (operation 308). That track can beplayed at that tempo until playback ends (operation 316) or the tracktempo can be further slowed down during playback.

In some embodiments, a track from the filtered list of tracks israndomly selected for playback. Alternatively, all tracks meeting thefilter criteria are presented to the user and the user selects aparticular track for playback.

During track playback (operation 308), the audio of the track is playedfor the user through one or more speakers in the media-playback device,or the audio is played through one or more speakers in communicationwith the media-playback device.

In some embodiments, binaural beat playback (operation 310) is initiatedconcurrent with, or shortly after, track playback initiation (operation308). Generally, binaural beats are perceived sounds created by playbackof two different tones at different frequencies. Generally, “binaural”refers to the difference in frequencies of each tone. For example, if atone with a frequency of 300 Hz was played in one ear, and a second tonewith a frequency of 310 Hz was played in the other ear, then thebinaural beat would have a frequency of 10 Hz.

At the beginning of binaural beat playback (operation 310), alphabinaural beats are played, which are typically close to the user'sstarting dominant frequency. Generally, alpha binaural beats have afrequency of about 7 Hz to about 13 Hz. In embodiments, a binaural beatof 12 Hz is initially played back during operation 310. In embodiments,the binaural beat is mixed with the track audio. In other embodiments,the track already includes the binaural beat.

In some embodiments, during track playback, the tempo is changed(operation 312) and the binaural frequency is changed (operation 314).In embodiments, these changes occur at the same relative rate.

In some embodiments, only the binaural frequency is changed (operation314), i.e., the tempo remains constant. That is, at least someembodiments of example method 300 do not include changing tempooperation 312. In those embodiments, the track playback begins at atempo that is less than the acquired heart rate by about 4%; about 5%;about 6%; about 7%; about 8%; about 9%; about 10%; about 11%; or about12%. For example, if a heart rate of 60 bpm is acquired in operation304, then the track is played at 55 bpm, or about 8% less than theacquired heart rate.

Operation 312 includes decreasing the tempo of the track by about 4%;about 5%; about 6%; about 7%; about 8%; about 9%; about 10%; about 11%;or about 12%. These decreases in tempo can be achieved in multiple ways,such as mechanically slowing a track, playing multiple tracks withdifferent tempos, playing different versions of the same track recordedat different tempos, or playing a track whose tempo decreases. As anexample, if heart rate acquired in operation 304 is 65 bpm, and a trackwith a tempo of 65 bpm is played in operation 308, then during playbackthe tempo is slowed to 60 bpm.

In some embodiments, more than one track is played before endingplayback (operation 316). There, the track tempo can be decreased witheach new track played, such as first playing a track with a tempo of 65bpm, then playing a track with a tempo of 60 bpm, and then playing atrack with a tempo of 55 bpm.

In some embodiments, the track selected for playback slowly has adecreasing tempo, that is, the tempo at the beginning of the track isfaster than the tempo at the end of the track.

In some embodiments, a given track is recorded at a plurality ofdifferent tempos. For example, a track with a particular melody isrecorded at each of 45 bpm, 50 bpm, 55 bpm, 60 bpm, 65 bpm, 70 bpm, and75 bpm. Then, during playback, the tempo of the track is changed bycross-fading between tracks. For example, a track with a tempo of 65 bpmis initially played and slowed to 62 bpm. Then that track is cross-fadedwith a second track having a tempo of 60 bpm that has been sped up to 62bpm. After cross-fading, the second track is slowed down to 60 bpm orslower. An example of changing the tempo is shown and described indetail with reference to FIG. 12, below.

As the track is played (operation 308), the binaural frequency ischanged (operation 314). As mentioned above, an alpha binaural beat isplayed at the beginning of track playback. Then, during track playback,the binaural beat is changed (operation 314) to be theta binaural beats,that is, binaural beats in the 4 Hz to 7 Hz range, for example.

In some embodiments, the track selected for playback in operation 306 isnot long enough to play the entire duration of restful time. After thetrack ends, or is close to ending, operation 315 determines whetheradditional playback is required. For example, if the moment has a20-minute playback time period, and the track ends after 8 minutes, then12 more minutes of track playback are needed. If additional trackplayback is needed, then the example method 300 may return to operation306 to select another track. The example method 300 continues this loopuntil there has been enough track playback for the given moment. In someembodiments, the track is extended by finding loop-able sections andseamlessly jumping back in time until the entire track plays for therequested duration. If no additional playback is required, then playbackends (operation 316).

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an example track 402 during musicplayback. The beginning of track 402 corresponds to the initiation oftrack playback (operation 308). The end of track 402 corresponds to endof playback (operation 316). That is, in this example, only a singletrack 402 is played during the entire restful period.

Track 402 has a tempo A at the beginning of the track. As discussed withrespect to example method 300, in one example the tempo A corresponds toa user's heart rate. During track playback, the tempo of track 402 ischanged to have N tempos, where N is greater than or equal to 1. As anexample, tempo A is 72 bpm, tempo B is 68 bpm, and tempo N is 64 bpm.

As shown in FIG. 5, the track can be played at a first tempo, tempo A,for a given period of time. Then, the track tempo is adjusted to a newtempo, tempo B, which plays for a second given period of time. In someembodiments, as discussed above, a given track 402 may have multiplerecordings at different tempos. In those embodiments, the track tempo isaltered by cross-fading to a different version of the same trackrecorded at a different tempo.

In other embodiments, track tempo A is changed throughout playback at aconstant rate. For example, the track tempo is reduced by 0.4 bpm everyminute. In embodiments where the track playback duration is 20 minutes,then, the track tempo would be 8 bpm slower at end track playback(operation 316).

Also shown in FIG. 5 are the binaural beats, binaural A, binaural B, upto binaural N, played during track 402. As shown, a plurality ofbinaural beats are played during track playback and the beats arechanged at different times than the tempo is changed. In someembodiments, the initial binaural beat A is decreased at a constantrate, for example, at 0.3 Hz per minute. In other embodiments, thebinaural beat frequency is altered by a given amount every time period,such as a 1 Hz decrease every 3 minutes.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an example track 502 during musicplayback. In the embodiment shown, a single track is played frominitiating track playback (operation 308) until ending track playback(operation 316).

As shown, track 502 is played at the same tempo, Tempo A, throughoutplayback. This tempo corresponds to the acquired heart rate of the user.For example, if the acquired user heart rate is 75 bpm, then tempo A islower than that heart rate, for example, 70 bpm. In other embodiments,multiple tracks can be played at the same tempo, tempo A.

Also shown in FIG. 6 is the binaural beats, binaural A, binaural B, upto binaural N, played during track 502. As shown, a plurality ofbinaural beats are played during track playback. In some embodiments,the beats are changed at different times than the tempo is changed. Insome embodiments, the initial binaural beat A is decreased at a constantrate, for example, at 0.3 Hz per minute. In other embodiments, thebinaural beat frequency is altered by a given amount every time period,such as a 1 Hz decrease every 3 minutes.

FIGS. 7, 8, 10, and 11 illustrate an example series 702 of userinterface screens shown on a mobile device 704 during example method300, illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 3. The mobiledevice 704 is, for example, a smart mobile phone, a tablet computer, ora smart watch.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a moment selection screen 706. Themoment selection screen 706 includes instructions 707 and moments 708.Example moments 708 shown include bedtime, power nap, airplane, and forkids. The user can scroll down to reveal additional moments 708, such asthose listed above with reference to FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 8 indicates an embodiment of a heart rate acquisition screen 710.As discussed above, mobile device 704 can acquire the user's heart rateusing internal hardware and/or from external devices. In the embodimentshown, heart rate acquisition screen 710 instructs the user to place hisor her finger on the mobile device's camera.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an embodiment of the example mobile device704 acquiring a heart rate. FIG. 9A illustrates a surface of examplemobile device 704 that includes a camera 732 and light source 730.Camera 732 and light source 730 are positioned relatively adjacent toeach other so they can both be covered by a single finger at the sametime. Also, camera 732 and light source 730 are in communication withthe processing device and memory device of the mobile device 704.

FIG. 9B illustrates a user's finger 734 positioned over the camera 732and light source 730. During heart rate acquisition, the light source730 generates light and illuminates the user's finger. The camera 732receives the light from the user's illuminated finger. The mobile device704 analyzes the images to determine a heart rate of the user bytracking color changes in the user's illuminated finger.

The heart rate acquisition screen 710 can additionally includeinstructions for the user to hold his or her finger 734 over the camera732 and light source 730 until a heart rate is acquired. Upon heart rateacquisition or determination, the mobile device 704 can provide visual,audio, or haptic notification that the user can remove his or her finger734.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a heart rate display screen 712.The heart rate display screen 712 indicates the acquired user heart rate714, shown in beats per minute.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a playback screen 715. The playbackscreen 715 includes a tempo display 716, a track navigation 718 section,a playback time indicator 720, and a moment indicator 722. Playbackscreen 715 is displayed on mobile device 704 after acquiring a heartrate and determining a moment. Other embodiments can include more orfewer components, such as options for changing the moment or tempo.

The tempo display 716 shows the tempo of the current track. The tracknavigation 718 section includes user-selectable controls that enable theuser to start, stop, or pause the track, to select a different track, toreturn to the start of the track, or to return to the previous track.

Playback time indicator 720 shows the time remaining until playbackends. Alternatively, playback time indicator 720 shows the time elapsedsince playback began. Moment indicator 722 displays a representation ofthe moment selected by the user.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example method 614 of determining a playbackposition. In this example, the method 614 includes operations 650, 652,654, 656, 658, and 660. Also shown is a change tempo input (operation612) and a stream new song version operation 616. In some embodiments,the change tempo input (operation 612) corresponds to the change tempooperation 312 shown and discussed with reference to FIG. 3. Otherembodiments can include more or fewer operations.

The tracks played during the example method 614 shown in FIG. 12 havemore than one version recorded at different tempos. Each track versioncan include one or more chapters and the chapters are consistent acrosstrack versions for a particular track.

After receiving a change tempo input (operation 612), a chapter of thecurrently-playing track version is identified (operation 650). Operation650 can include retrieving metadata, for example, chapters, duration ofthe track version, duration of the chapters, etc., about the trackversions. Additionally, operation 650 can include retrieving metadatathat includes the relationship between related track versions. Forexample, a playback position of the currently-playing track version is14:30, or fourteen minutes thirty seconds, and is in chapter 4.

Next, the percentage of the chapter played is identified (operation652). Using the example above, the playback position of thecurrently-playing track version is 14:30 and is in chapter four, whichstarted at 12:00 and ends at 16:30 in the track version. That is, thecurrent chapter is 4:30 in length and 2:30 have played, thus thepercentage of the chapter played is about 56%. In some embodiments wherethe track versions are not divided into chapters, the percentage of thetrack version played can be determined after operation 610, for example,rather than the percentage of the chapter (operation 652).

After determining the current chapter and percentage of the chapterplayed, a corresponding chapter (operation 654) and correspondingpercentage of the chapter (operation 656) are determined for the nexttrack version. Using the example discussed with reference to operation650, the currently-playing track version is in chapter four. Thus, thecorresponding chapter for beginning playback of the next track versionis chapter four.

Next, about 56% of chapter 4 has been played in the currently-playingtrack version. Thus, playback of the next track version will begin atabout 56% of chapter 4 of the next track version. If the next trackversion's chapter 4 starts at 11:00 and ends at 15:00, which is fourminutes in length, then playback will begin about two minutes andfourteen seconds into the fourth chapter, or at about 13:14 of theentire track version. This starting position might be modified dependingon any delay or cross-fading determination in operation 658.

Any delays to accommodate transitioning to the next track version aredetermined in operation 658. For example, any cross-fading times can beaccounted for during operation 658.

Also, the beats of the currently-playing track version and the nexttrack version can be aligned. As an example, an alignment includes anyadjustments to make the first beat of each measure in thecurrently-playing track version align with the first beat of eachmeasure in the next track version. This alignment can includetemporarily adjusting the tempo of the currently-playing track version,the tempo of the next track version, or both, such that they match whenthe next track version is streamed.

After determining the playback location of the next track version, anypitch changes are next determined (operation 660). For example, whentransitioning from a currently-playing track version at a tempo of 65bpm to a next track version at a tempo of 55 bpm, the pitch of the nexttrack version is lowered during the cross-fading. This pitch change canpotentially correct any changes in pitch when the tempo of one or bothof the track versions is adjusted. After or during cross-fading, thepitch is increased again, for example, over about 0.5 second, about 1second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, about 4 seconds, or about 5seconds until it is back at the original pitch. Alternatively, or incombination, the pitch of the currently-playing track version isincreased during cross-fading.

In some embodiments, pitch is managed, for example, by decreasing tempowithout decreasing pitch, selecting only songs that match in pitch, orslowly adapting the pitch over a long period of time to detune in amanner unnoticeable to the listener. Each of these transformations canbe continuous, as opposed to steps, over periods of time, includingtempo and pitch. Further, crossfading can also include beat-matching.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device comprising: at least oneprocessing device; and at least one computer readable data storagedevice storing instructions that, when executed by the at least oneprocessing device, cause a media-playback device to: acquire a heartrate; select at least one media content item with a first tempo, whereinthe at least one media content item meets a set of qualificationcriteria; and wherein the first tempo is based on the heart rate;initiate playback of the at least one media content item; over a periodof time during the playback of the at least one media content item,change the first tempo to a second tempo, the second tempo being slowerthan the first tempo; initiate playback of a binaural beat at a firstfrequency during the playback of the at least one media content item;and over the period of time during the playback of the at least onemedia content item, change the binaural beat to a second frequency. 2.The computing device of claim 1, wherein playback of the at least onemedia content item continues for at least 15 minutes.
 3. The computingdevice of claim 2, wherein the media-playback device acquires the heartrate.
 4. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the media-playbackdevice acquires the heart rate from an external device.
 5. The computingdevice of claim 1, wherein the set of qualification criteria includes: amajor key and an absence of lyrics.
 6. The computing device of claim 5,further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least oneprocessing device, cause the media-playback device to: receive anenvironment selection; and based on the environment selection, initiateplayback of white noise.
 7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein thefirst frequency is about 12 Hertz (Hz) and wherein the second frequencyis about 7 Hz.
 8. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the period oftime is at least about 90 seconds.
 9. The computing device of claim 1,wherein the period of time is at least about 5 minutes.
 10. A method forselecting and playing a song, the method comprising: using a computingdevice: acquiring a heart rate; acquiring a moment selection; selectingat least one song with a first tempo, wherein the at least one songmeets a set of qualification criteria; and wherein the first tempo isbased on the heart rate and the moment selection; initiating playback ofthe at least one song; initiating playback of a binaural beat at a firstfrequency at least partially during the playback of the at least onesong; and causing the binaural beat to change to a second frequencyduring the playback of the at least one song.
 11. The method of claim10, further comprising: during the playback of the at least one song,decreasing continuously the first tempo to a second tempo, whereinplayback of the at least one song continues for at least 15 minutes. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the set of qualification criteriaincludes: a major key and an absence of lyrics.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein the first frequency is about 12 Hertz (Hz) and wherein thesecond frequency is about 7 Hz.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein thefirst tempo matches the heart rate.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinthe set of qualification criteria includes: a major key and an absenceof lyrics in the song.
 16. A media server comprising: a database storingat least a plurality of songs that meet a set of qualification criteria,the set of qualification criteria including: a major key and an absenceof lyrics; at least one processing device in data communication with thedatabase; and at least one computer readable storage device storing datainstructions which, when executed by the at least one processing device,cause the media server to: acquire a heart rate; select a song from theplurality of songs, wherein the song has a first tempo and wherein thefirst tempo is based on the heart rate; initiate playback of the song;initiate playback of a binaural beat at a first frequency during theplayback of the song; and over a period of time during the playback ofthe song, change the binaural beat to a second frequency.
 17. The mediaserver of claim 16, wherein the instructions further cause the mediaserver to: over the period of time during the playback of the song,change the first tempo to a second tempo, the second tempo being slowerthan the first tempo; receive a moment selection; based on the momentselection, initiate playback of white noise in addition to the playbackof the song; wherein playback of the song continues for at least 10minutes; and wherein a media-playback device acquires the heart rate,the media-playback device being in communication with the media server.18. The media server of claim 17, wherein the first frequency is about12 Hertz (Hz) and wherein the second frequency is about 7 Hz; andwherein the period of time is at least about 90 seconds.
 19. The mediaserver of claim 18, wherein the first tempo matches the heart rate. 20.The media server of claim 19, wherein the song has a first duration; andwherein a second song is selected for playback when the first durationis less than 10 minutes.